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Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Pizzelles - Outdoor Wednesday

There's nothing more subjective than reality. On the last leg of my Christmas journey I was on a plane that sat on the tarmac while emergency lights were replaced. It was not a quick or easy correction. In the course of repairs certain rows of passengers on the plane were asked to leave the plane so there would be room to work on the strips of lights that had shorted out. No big deal. As time went on, others also became restless and were given the option of leaving the plane. I opted to stay on board and as a result was privy to some really interesting conversations - the ones you can't help but hear, as opposed to those you strain to hear. Our language, for all its difficulties, is precise, and the last time I checked, there was a substantive difference between the words "leave" and "evacuate". Any number of cell phone users chose to use the word "evacuate" and report an adventure that bore no resemblance to what actually was happening. There is much I don't understand about human behavior. We were made comfortable and could leave the plane if we chose. These folks were creating fictions that could only be upsetting to the people with whom they were speaking. In an uncertain world where so much can go wrong, I have little patience for life's fabricators and those who seek attention in such a devious fashion. While not a happy camper, thanks to a son-in-law, I had a purse full of pizzelles, and, courtesy of the airlines, all the coffee I wanted to drink. The last hour on the plane I was paging through the Sky Mall magazine, saw a pizzelle maker and decided I had to have one. To my great shame, I, who pride myself on not being an impulse shopper, ordered it.

Now, you must understand that I haven't had pizzelles in years. The ones I remember were made with an instrument that resembled a branding iron or instrument of torture. While I enjoyed them, I thought they were too labor intensive and relegated them to limbo once I had a kitchen of my own. The long and short of this is that my son-in-law and the older grandsons have revived a Christmas tradition from his past and now make pizzelles - most excellent pizzelles - on Christmas Eve. They hooked me. I took the picture on Christmas Eve and the recipe is the one that came with Bill's pizzelle maker. While Bill made these for the holiday, they would be wonderful to have at any time of year. We'll be doing more of these over the next few weeks, so, if you're not partial to anise, be sure to stop back and sample the other sweet and savory treats that I'm working on. Here's the recipe that started it all.

Directions:1) In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick. Stir in melted butter, anise and vanilla.2) Sift flour and baking powder into a separate bowl. Mix into butter mixture just until smooth.3) Heat pizzelle iron and brush with oil. Drop a heaping tablespoon of batter onto each circle of iron. Bake for 20 to 45 seconds, or until steam no longer comes out of iron. Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 30 pizzelles.

Folks, my awe and wonder was born of the fact that no one had anything to be afraid of. I'm not by nature a heroic person. These folks were stupid long past the time where it might be appropriate. This was a terrible Christmas to travel, but for all the good reasons, not the bad. There were simply too many of us traveling in bad weather. At least my luggage was there when I arrived.

Oh I love these! Something good came out of your delay! I'm just happy that they gave the passengers the option of deplaning. I'm sure that the story tellers in the crowd forget to mention that key little piece of information! Have a wonderful week. Kathy

The pizzelles on the prairie are not anise flavored. I don't think they would fly. In fact, I was surprised when you mentioned that flavor.

I, like, you, don't need another piece of special equipment so I've never bought the iron (my rosette iron sits unused -- I just HAD to have it!)

What an interesting story -- why people would make their story seem so much more important is beyond me! But then perhaps that is why -- to make themselves seem more important. I feel sorry for them if they have to embroider their lives to feel important!

Well Mary, some people don't have enough drama in their lives and have to invent some. It's sad, actually, but in this situation, it could cause a great deal of trouble.As to pizzelles: all I can say is yummy and I can't wait to see what else you come up with!

I have experienced the same thing except it concerned a hurricane and what was happening outside, I didn't think I was in the same hurricane they were. Not sure why!I think I will also by a pizzelle iron. Thanks,Mary for sharing so many great recipes, unfortunately I am not a cook, but I am willing to try some.

I totally agree with you about people today. The stories they can spin to make themselves more important and the victim are incredible. We're not big cell phone users and we would have stayed on the plane with you.

We worked in a Williams Sonoma store in Palm Beach one winter at Christmas time and the Pizzelle machine was a big seller. I've never eaten one or made one myself but they are so cute.Sam

Mary, The pizzelles look tasty. How wonderful that you had them in your purse. There is a lesson here in choosing to have a tranquil mindset. Some things can not be changed, but we can control how we react to them.

I even looked while I was in Fl..I had bookmarked a shopping page on the wrong computer..I made some with an italian friend yrs and yrs ago..I loved making them..loved the way they looked.. we added anise..And even made ice cream sandwiches :)I have great memories..and aren't they beautiful!!I agree I am French and I still get the difference between you can leave if you wish or evacuate:)I think I would have Skymalled..I never have:)

Hi Mary,I think this is what is meant by making a drama out of a crisis, which never helps the situation but some people just don't seem able to help it.The pizelles look delicious, I am discovering so many foods, that I never knew about, on your blog.

Mary, pleased to know you are back home. The situation you were in was not a laughing matter, but I did have a guttural chuckle at the use of "evacuate" vs "leave"... the "drama" created. Sadly, they may have taken one as a synonym for the other. :)

OTOH, pizelles and anise all remind me of good times long ago with an Italian family. I may have to order a P-maker. :)

I love anise. The cookies of my childhood. My grandfather actually forged a metal "torture" pizzelle iron that my grandmother actually used on a woodburning stove...she later used the gas stove. My auntie owns the iron...she will let relatives use it...I prefer the modern electric kind.

Hi Mary,First time here. I hate drama and can never understand when people make it up. Are there lives that boring? These are the people who need to volunteer for those who are less fortunate in order to appreciate what they have. Okay...stepping off my soapbox now. Living it up at Lakewood,Cindy

I have a Church basement ladies past, in that much of my GREAT food memories come from them. I had a Sunday School teacher who would bring her class a batch of these every so often. Sure did encourage attendance

You were very lucky to be given the option..not everyone in those plane situations have that..I would have left ...I can't stand those potties on the plane! :)I was once an a flight where there had been a report there was a bomb on board.After many hours of searching, they decided it was safe..but all through the flight the doubt persisted!

I have an electric pizzelle maker..the savory ones are good for cocktail parties too! I am not a fan of anise, so I leave that out..

Enjoyed your story. Some people just should never leave home!! My Italian sister-in-law was a substitute teacher for many years and would always bring her pizzelle iron to school. She became known as the pizzelle lady. They are so good.

OMG! I LOVE pizzelle! My friend is Italian and her Dad makes the BEST pizzelle ever. Of course, he never goes by a recipe and he won't write down anything so I am lost but this recipes sounds good. I am trying it soon. My pizzelle iron has been cold as of late! Yum.

I don't believe I have ever had pizelles, Mary, but they look very good. You are right about people sometimes. I don't know what it is but probably wanting some sympathy, that is why they make a big thing out of nothing....Christine

I love pizelles, and I, too, have one of the 'branding iron' irons~! You are certainly right... making pizelles on those things are labor-intensive. Because of that, I haven't made them in some years. Maybe I should do a little impulse buying of my own ;)

Well some people just like to make a mountain out of a mole hill. Glad you are not one of them. Now the Sky Miles Magazines can be dangerous to your credit card. At least you saved on car gas buying one but you spent lots on jet fuel to buy one:) Enjoy your new pizzelle maker and I can't wait to read about some new recipes you invent. Stay warm.Joyce

Just from reading your posts and kind of getting to know you, your would be the person I would count on to be calm and not cause drama. I think it's going to be hell to travel by air for quite some time. Not only should the airports and passengers be watched, but the borders need to be watched more carefully too.

The pizelles look fantastic. These would take my mind off siting on the tarmac!

Your patient countenance was probably in contrast to many others in the same situation!

I love pizzelles! Many years ago on our street, everyone settled on their new house about the same time. I hosted a cookie exchange and one dear lady brought pizzelles and shared her recipe. They were so delicious I have been making them every Christmas since. My recipe is similar to yours except that I use anise seed rather than the extract. They are addicting!

Mary~ When we were traveling to Seattle... our train (unbeknown to us) ran over a tree, causing us to head back to the station to check the damages. We had to wait for the mechanics to give the go ahead to press on.Every one, including us had to contact families to let them now of the l-o-n-g delay. Amtrak did their best to keep us updated. They continued showing the movie and the bistro remained open. I'm sure there were many variations of this story too.

I've always wanted to play with a pizelle maker, but for your reasons never did. I may reconsider it now that it seems doable.

Oh Mary! I have been thinking about Pizzelles over the holiday. I used to work with this lovely Italian lady who made a bunch and brought them into work. That's the only time I ever had them, but they've stayed with me all these years (22 to be exact). Where can I get a decent pizzelle iron?

You never fail to impress me. The pizelles are gorgeous. See, something good came out of traveling the road with less drama. While I do not envy you your holiday traveling, I do commend you for sticking it out.

People are so funny. The drama- just like the news stations which I rarely watch any mroe. Cant stand the hype.

I am so surprised you bought a kitchen gadget. You always write about not wanting more tools. But Mary- being the Italian I am, I have to say you ordered a good tool. Will yours make panini and waffles as well?

These drama queens are everywhere. They have a MILLION things to do and are always creating their own drama. I try really hard not to exaggerate a story but some people expand upon every detail until the story no longer bears any resemblance to the original event. Now how many pizzelles did you really eat? 60? 20? 2?

Funny how people blow up a story. But you were lucky to have a stash of cookies in your bag!!! And did I read that right? Are you working on a savory pizzelle? I'll dust of the pizzelle Iron for that! Love me some pizzelles!

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